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Labs often use hazardous materials as a basic part of research and manufacturing. Such materials may include laboratory chemicals, radioactive materials, compressed gases, and contaminated equipment. At times, technicians may need to ship these materials to a research facility, a colleague, another company, or back to the manufacturer*.

It's important to understand how these shipments are regulated. A failure to understand these regulations can compromise safety and result in significant fines. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or international agencies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulate when a commercial carrier transports hazardous materials. The shipper must properly classify, package, document, and handle the hazardous materials to comply with shipping regulations. Often, well-meaning personnel unknowingly make shipments that violate the regulations.

• Hefty fines and imprisonment may also be served to individuals who ignore DOT and IATA regulations.
• Only trained persons and certified organizations may offer or receive shipments of hazardous materials.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that smaller quantities of hazardous materials do not pose a risk to the public. Others simply dislike paying the expensive shipping fees, which can exceed the cost of the materials.

These regulations may not seem fair, but they are mandated by Federal and international institutions. To ignore these agencies is both unsafe and unwise. Direct your attention to CFR Title 49 - Transportation, Parts 106-180, and you may be shocked to discover the seriousness of making or receiving these illegal shipments. When you do not understand and follow the complexities of the standards, your company, as well as the community at large, can suffer considerably.

Inorganic Ventures offers free technical support. Our support goes beyond chemistry, helping you to understand the DOT and IATA regulations.